Record number achieve distinctions in IPA’s highest qualification - the Excellence Diploma

Twenty-four industry practitioners have successfully completed the IPA’s Excellence Diploma, with a record-breaking five distinctions as well as fifteen credits and four passes. The successful individuals were awarded at a graduation ceremony last night (17th July) attended by leading industry figures.

Known as the MBA of brands, the Excellence Diploma is a rigorous 12-month programme designed for individuals with at least six years’ experience who wish to push their thinking forward beyond their own discipline. The qualification provides individuals with an unparalleled expertise in brands, exposing them to leading industry thought leaders sharing their expertise and experience. As well as completing three core assignments, candidates must also write an inspiring 7,000-word “I believe” piece outlining their vision on the future of brands and brand communications. The best of these will be published as a Campaign supplement on the 5th September.

The Diploma has been chaired by Nick Kendall, former worldwide head of strategy at BBH, since 2004 and this year he was supported by co-chair David Wilding, head of planning at PHD, with essays and assignments marked and edited by an esteemed panel of industry experts.*

Full results:

The Presidents Prize:Gethin James, Head of Planning, Lowe Profero

The Outstanding Body of Work:Emily Fairhead-Keen, Business Director, MEC

Says Patrick Mills, Director of Professional Development, IPA: “In an era of ever increasing accountability it is appropriate to have recorded a record class size for this most recent iteration of the IPA Excellence Diploma, this is surely a reflection of the programme in encouraging the participants to have confidence in their own ideas and develop original and vital ideas for the future of our industry and the brands we help build. There is no doubt that their agencies and clients will benefit greatly from their new found wisdom, which proves the value of this pinnacle of IPA qualifications, which now after ten years can certainly be described as ‘the MBA of Brands’.”

Says Emily Fairhead-Keen, Business Director, MEC who was awarded The Outstanding Body of Work: “The Excellence Diploma really stuffs you full of wonderfully rich information and opinion, for you to then move on with your own opinion, confidently and convincingly. Although my husband is perhaps secretly pleased we don't have to discuss brands over dinner, I secretly miss it and think myself incredibly lucky one to have done it.”

The IPA is releasing a book celebrating ten years of the Excellence Diploma featuring a selection of the best essays over the years and analysis from leading industry figures. The book will be available to buy in Spring 2015.

The application deadline for the 2014/2015 Excellence Diploma is the 1st September 2014. To find out more contact erika@ipa.co.uk.

The IPA launched the Excellence Diploma in 2004, under the presidency of Stephen Woodford, to raise the real and perceived professionalism and value of marketing communications. Diploma modules cover: the role of brands, people and brands, brands and channel thinking, brands and creativity, brands and measurement, and brands and leadership. Candidates are given a mentor from their agency for support and to help them put the thinking into practice.